Abstract: A dosing mechanism in the form of a manually operable, single-acting piston pump, which dispenses a given quantity of a substance, e.g. in atomized form, during each actuating stroke has a counter. For this purpose, a counting ring mounted in rotary manner on a base part is provided, which is advanced by one step per actuating stroke by an indexing device with cooperating and correspondingly bevelled ribs, so that in each case a different character in the counting ring appears at a window in the actuating pusher casing. Two projections cooperating with one another in a given position of the counting ring form a locking device against further actuation of the atomizing pump, when a given number of strokes have been performed.

Abstract: A flow indicator that can visually indicate to an implement operator whether or not there is an equal flow rate of liquids through multiple liquid outlet lines on the implement. The flow indicator includes wall portions defining a manifold adapted to be connected in the system to receive liquid output from a pump, and transparent generally parallel closely spaced tubular members having similarly sized through openings communicating with the manifold, increasing in diameter from their inlet ends, and having outlet ends coupled to the outlet lines. Normally, liquid is pumped into the manifold and flows out the tubular members with equal flow rates so that similarly sized indicating members visible in the tubular members will be horizontally aligned. If the operator observes one indicating member out of alignment, this will indicate that one of the outlet lines is obstructed and in need of attention.

Abstract: The spray valve comprises a cylindrical component having a central passage, which body is slidingly disposed in a widened portion of the valve body. The cross-sectional area of the central passage is smaller than that of the widened portion, so that the cylindrical component is displaced outwardly against the return force of a spring by the flow occuring when the spray valve is opened. A permanent magnet is embedded in the wall of the cylindrical component. In the wall of the valve body surrounding the widened portion thereof there is a blind bore in which a reed contact is inserted. Through the flow of liquid occuring when the spray valve is opened, the magnet is displaced into the field of response of the reed contact, which thus indicates the opening of the spray valve. This spray valve is intended to be utilized in a system for spraying a thawing agent. A plurality of control circuits are disposed along a roadway, one of the spray valves being associated with each control circuit.

Abstract: An improved control system for a mobile material distribution apparatus of the type having a ground speed sensor, a distributing device for spreading material along the path of travel of the apparatus, a variable rate delivery structure for delivering material to the distributing structure and a delivery rate sensor. The control system comprises a calculating circuit responsive to signals developed by the ground speed sensor and delivery rate sensor and to a signal corresponding to a desired distribution rate of material for periodically calculating the difference between the desired delivery rate and the actual delivery rate and developing a difference signal. A control signal is developed in response to each difference signal for varying the delivery rate of material to the distributing structure as necessary to achieve the desired material delivery rate.

Abstract: A detector and measuring device for determining the presence and number of lubricant particles in a flow of air directed onto the surface of a disc to coat the disc with a thin layer of the lubricant. The detector includes means for removing a portion of the air containing the lubricant particles from the coating chamber, means for diluting the air containing the lubricant particles with additional clean air and means for passing diluted air through a particle counter which detects and counts the particles of lubricant.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of liquids to moving material, such as patterned application of dyes to moving textile material, including a liquid applicator positioned above the material path of travel for continuously discharging liquid in a row of plural streams downwardly onto the material, means for selectively deflecting selected of the continuously flowing streams in accordance with a pattern control device, and collection means for receiving the deflected liquid to prevent its contact with the moving material. The apparatus includes a novel flow controller to measure the flow rate of the plural streams from a dye manifold and in response thereto to adjust the flow of dye liquid from the manifold, by opening and closing a valve located in the return conduit from the dye manifold to the dye supply tank.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a vehicular liquid sprayer includes a control circuit for receiving a liquid pressure signal and a vehicle ground speed signal and operator accessible controls for delivering to the control circuit signals corresponding to a desired application rate, to the number of nozzles associated with the vehicular liquid sprayer and to the nozzle spacing. The operator may vary the input signal corresponding to desired application rate plus or minus a given percentage to compensate for tolerances in the liquid sprayer system. The control circuit calculates the liquid pressure necessary to achieve the desire application rate and the difference between this desire liquid pressure and the measured liquid pressure and produces control signals corresponding to this difference. A duty cycle control circuit converts these control signals to a cyclical control signal for driving a motor-driven flow control valve.

Abstract: A visual indication of low ink supply wherein a soluble-dye fluid is added to the ink supply and floats on the surface of the ink. The low ink supply is indicated by a change in color printed on the record media by reason of the indicating fluid having different characteristics from the printing ink.

Abstract: A computer control technique controls a chemical spreading operation such as the spreading of a salt-sand composition from a truck hopper. The vehicle has a spinner motor controlled by the vehicle operator from the control panel which is preferably disposed in the vehicle cab, and a conveyor motor operated under computer control and operator control. A display is part of the control panel and indicates conveyor motor speed to the operator. The operating power for the system, and in particular the conveyor motor, is derived from an AC generator (alternator) preferably driven from the fan belt drive of the vehicle motor thus not requiring any separate motor drive or hydraulic drive. In one embodiment a single alternator is used for both conveyor motor power and normal electrical vehicle power, while in an alternative embodiment separate alternators are employed both associated with the vehicle motor.

Abstract: An injector for injecting into a flow of a first liquid passing through a flow passage formed in the body of the injector a second liquid, which is pressurized for injection by the pressure of the first liquid. Pressurization of the second liquid is accomplished by means of a liquid-tight canister separated into first and second pressure chambers by a flexible diaphragm. The pressure of the first liquid flowing through the injector is tapped off to pressurize the first pressure chamber, and through the diaphragm, the second chamber containing the second liquid. The second chamber is connected to the flow passage at a point downstream of the point where the pressure of the first liquid is tapped off to pressurize the canister, and the passage is venturi-shaped adjacent the point at which the second liquid is injected into the flow passage to provide an additional force drawing the second liquid into the flow passage.

Abstract: A trigger actuated fertilizer spray gun has a herbicide injector mounted on its muzzle with the valve for the injector having an actuator which is also accessible from the handle of the gun, so that an operator, while spraying fertilizer, can make spot applications of a herbicide as weeds are encountered in the area being fertilized. The herbicide is carried in a canister which can either be mounted on the handle of the spray gun or on a belt worn by the operator and the canister is divided into first and second, variable volume chambers by a flexible diaphragm. The first chamber is connected to the flow passage of the fertilizer to pressurize it to approximately the line pressure of the fertilizer flow, and the second chamber, containing the herbicide, is connected to the injector at a venturi-shaped portion of a passage through it.

Abstract: A nebulizer device for producing an aerosol spray via a flow of gas at varying oxygen concentrations is disclosed. The nebulizer device comprises a body defining an initial nebulization chamber, a subsequent baffling chamber and a venturi formed therebetween. Air intake ports are disposed on the body adjacent the nebulization chamber for providing the nebulization chamber with air in predetermined quantities. Regulating means are disposed about the nebulization chamber for regulating the flow of the air through the intake ports. An aerosol system for producing an aerosol of fine particles of liquid is located in the nebulization chamber upstream of the venturi such that the flow of the aerosol spray through the venturi encourages the atmospheric fluid to enter the device through the intake ports thereby diluting the aerosol. The venturi is located downstream of the intake ports and increases the flow rate of the atmospheric fluid through the intake ports.

Abstract: A hydrostatic spraying system with multiple spray booms for use with vehicles is especially suited for spraying agricultural treatment liquids such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, trace minerals, etc. The system includes an operator-controllable variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by the vehicle, e.g., via its transfer case. A linear hydraulic motor is powered by the pump, being operated at a speed dependent upon a preselected output of the variable displacement pump and the rate of ground travel. Solenoid-controlled valving alternately supplies the hydraulic fluid to opposite ends of the linear motor for oscillating stroking operation of the motor.

Abstract: Fluid mixing and dispensing shower head and suspendible supply reservoir for portable connection to a conventional shower head. The valve block is constructed for quick, intermediate securement between the shower head and supply pipe and is adapted to be operated in conjunction with the shower fixture for selectively dispensing one of a plurality of select liquids into the water stream discharged by the shower nozzle. A plurality of separately accessible containers are provided in a storage bracket suspended beneath the shower head to store distinct quantities of fluids to be dispensed. A suitable selector valve is provided adjacent the storage reservoir to channel the select fluid into the shower head. The containers are housed in a transparent bracket, suspended from the shower head, to permit the user to determine the amount of liquid remaining in each container and the type of liquid selected.

Abstract: The disclosed gun is of the type having a housing with a nozzle and a deflecting plate spaced from the muzzle and mounted on a rod axially guided in the muzzle, the annular channel formed between the muzzle and the rod serving as a powder channel. Electrodes extend into the powder channel and are connected to a high voltage source. A stepping motor is connected to the rod to change its axial position, and control means are connected to the motor. Digital circuits inside the housing and manually operable switches permit automatic control or manual control from the gun of the deflecting plate spacing, the voltage, and the powder feed. Indicating means on the gun display the values of the controlled parameters.

Abstract: An agricultural spraying assembly including a plurality of nozzles divided into groups with each group being supplied liquid through a solenoid valve with a motorized proportioning valve being adjustable to control the pressure supplied to the solenoid valves and, in turn, to the plurality of nozzles. The assembly includes a main control box which is normally situated on a spraying trailer and a remote control box which is normally situated on the pulling tractor and is supplied power from the tractor's battery. Each of the control boxes includes switches for each of the solenoid valves as well as a pressure adjusting switch for adjusting the pressure supplied to the nozzles. Each control box has a pressure gauge for indicating the operating pressure supplied to the nozzles.

Abstract: An agricultural implement, such as a cultivator or harrow has fluid sprayers mounted on a boom extending across the implement's width. Adjacent each sprayer, a monitoring device is positioned to signal if the sprayers malfunction. The monitoring device includes a dielectric housing having an upper holder for a wire probe and a detachable lower cover that is hollow and has an open lower end. The cover has an inner chamber and an external skirt. The probe extends through the chamber and out of the lower end to a location near the outer edge of the spraying pattern. It is preferred that the lower portion of the probe be curved and extend in the direction of the fluid being sprayed. Each probe communicates to a respective light mounted on a control box located within the view or supervision of the implement operator so that any malfunction of a sprayer is immediately sensed.

Abstract: A cylindrical tank supported on the frame of a vehicle for transporting a mixture of manure and a further liquid, usually water. To prevent the agglomeration of solid and semi-solid materials within the tank, guide members are provided to produce recirculating and swirling motions of the mixture within the tank as the result of normal movements of the vehicle while carrying the tank during travel, such motions being produced primarily by deceleration of the vehicle. The main guide member is supported in the tank so as to be inclined downwardly to the rear whereby when the vehicle stops, the liquid mixture tends to surge forward up the inclined guide member. A second guide member extending from the top of the tank downwardly at an inclination opposite to that of the first guide member and above same tends to prevent liquid mixture which has surged into the forward portion of the tank from sloshing to the rear in the upper part of the tank.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler head provided with a water pressure indicator to permit a visual check to see whether or not it is supplied with water under pressure. The indicator includes a colored indicating element protruding under water pressure.

Abstract: A device for determining the volume of spraying liquid applied to unit area of ground by spraying equipment. The device includes pulse generators for generating first and second electrical signals respectively representing the rate of supply of liquid and the ground speed of the equipment. A function generating unit receives the two signals and, responding to these signals, produces an output signal representing the product of the ratio between the signals and a predetermined factor. The output signal from the comparator is applied to a meter which provides a visual indication of the output signal, this representing the volume of liquid applied to unit area of the ground. An automatic speed control unit can be coupled to an output from the function generating unit or to the means for generating the second electrical signal. This unit is actuated by an operator when the visual indicator indicates that a predetermined supply of liquid to unit area has been achieved.

Abstract: A system for sensing the flow of an electrically conductive liquid through a nozzle. The nozzle represents one side of an electrical sensing circuit. A conductive probe is positioned near the nozzle, so that it extends into the spray. The probe represents the second side of the electrical sensing circuit. The probe is mounted on a clamp positioned on the inside of a protective enclosure. The probe is the bottom of the enclosure. When liquid sprays from the nozzle, the sensing circuit is closed. A switch responds to this by illuminating an indicator lamp. If the liquid flow ceases, the signal circuit is opened, and the switch signals this occurrence. The switch is a transistor that operates a light emitting diode.

Abstract: Spray equipment of lightweight primarily adapted for mobile installation and including means for mixing spray solution during spraying and in response to flow of water into a spray tank. The equipment features a lightweight spray tank, mixing device, and novel hose reel features.

Abstract: A variable pressure spray apparatus is provided having a pressurizable fluid storage vessel connected to a pressurized gas cylinder. The spray apparatus is self contained and does not require an external power supply. A hand pulled support cart is adapted to support a removable tray that is capable of carrying the storage vessel and the pressurized cylinder. The combination of the cart and tray with the spray apparatus permits an operator to carry his equipment with him to previously inconvenient and inaccessible locations with regards to conventional spray equipment.

Abstract: A vehicular herbicide spraying apparatus having a mobile support frame, a reservoir for herbicide, a spray means for dispensing the herbicide, a means for measuring the flow rate of the herbicide being sprayed, shields enclosing the spray means to protect plants from herbicide overspray in their vicinity, and cleaning means for intermittently washing off any herbicide which may be retained on the surface of the plant shield.

Abstract: A shower head for shower baths including a compartment in which a hygienic liquid may be stored and selectively mixed into the water stream. A normally closed valve is positioned in the compartment and a valve operator disposed outside the shower head may selectively open the valve to dispense the liquid.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted broadcaster or spreader for granular materials includes a rotary spreader disc and an adjustable gate valve means above the disc and at the outlet of the material hopper. A power cylinder attached to a special support on the hopper operates a rocker arm which in turn is connected with a push-pull cable operatively connected with the movable gate valve element. By this means, the tractor operator inside of the tractor cab can remotely control the discharge of material on to the broadcasting or spreader disc with precision.

Abstract: This invention relates to new vaporizers and particularly to atomizing equipment useful for dispensing anesthetic liquids.

Abstract: A solution dispensing proportioner utilizing a varyingly pressurized solvent and a solute having a vagrant negative gauge pressure and a tracer that is detectable in proportion to its concentration. The proportioner aspirates the solute and tracer through a conduit, which may have metering flow valves ahead of the confluence in one embodiment, and then for a progressive check of the proportion of the solution after confluence by comparing the light transmissivity of the inflowing solute and the outflowing solution, respectively. The viewing is through windows in close proximity to each other where the relative depths of the flowing streams of solute and solution, as viewed, are substantially inversely proportional to the desired percentage of solute in the solution as corrected for a null point traverse by adjusting the solute valve to provide the ratio desired for the solute and solvent in the final solution.